9 haunted hotels for Halloween

When on vacation, some people simply want to relax, for example, on a tropical beach, under the warm sun, sipping a cool cocktail. But others are interested in adventure, seeking thrills, excitement, suspense, and even… the bizarre. If you're one of those people, then these spooky resorts will give you the chance to experience a different kind of creepy feeling. Especially during Halloween!

Ruthin Castle Hotel, Wales

Ruthin Castle Hotel in Wales boasts comfortable, newly renovated rooms – plus a once-drowning pool, several dungeons and whipping pits where criminals were tortured in the Middle Ages, and plenty of other spooky locations. Ruthin Castle has been the site of several assassinations of famous historical figures, and "lucky" guests might even encounter the ghost of Lady Grey, who was sentenced to death after murdering her husband's mistress. A holiday here is sure to be fun for the whole family, provided no one is too faint-hearted.

The Queen Mary II, California

This is the perfect vacation spot for both maritime enthusiasts and those who love spooky stories. The Queen Mary 2, docked in Long Beach, California, is said to be haunted. The ghost is a woman in a white dress who often wanders the deck at night. There are also ghosts of deceased guests in the ship's swimming pool, so unless you're a strong swimmer, you should avoid going in. The Queen Mary 2 even hosts a Halloween "Dark Harbour" event every fall, themed around the paranormal occurrences that have taken place on board.

Ballyseed Castle, Ireland

At the Ballyseede Castle Hotel in Ireland, there's a famously friendly ghost, much like Casper the Ghost. It's the ghost of Hilda, the last of the Blennerhassett family, a very kind woman who commissioned the castle's construction in the 18th century. You can encounter Hilda in her former bedroom, the Crosby Room, where she often leaves behind the scent of roses. Hilda enjoyed gazing at the panoramic views of the Ballyseede estate from her window and frequently engaged in friendly conversation with guests – even offering some predictions about their fortune.

Farnsworth Inn, Pennsylvania

During the American Civil War, the Farnsworth Inn provided shelter for Confederate snipers, and a stray bullet unfortunately struck a woman inside, Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade. It was also rumored that dead soldiers haunted the house with strange footsteps and music, occasionally visiting the guest bedrooms. Many guests described white figures gliding through the rooms at night, attributing them to the spirits of young men who had died in the war.

Tongariro Castle, New Zealand

Tongariro Castle, a luxury hotel nestled at the foot of Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand, was once a women's psychiatric hospital. Hotel staff often recount stories of the ghost of a nurse named Charlotte who died there, as well as unidentified patients who committed suicide within the hospital. Fluttering curtains, flickering flames, and doors opening and closing automatically are common occurrences. The isolation of the place certainly enhances the eerie atmosphere, despite the hotel's luxurious surroundings.

Lizzie Borden Inn, Massachusetts

The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast is located in the former home of Lizzie Borden, the infamous serial killer who brutally murdered her father and stepmother with an axe. Situated in Fall River, Massachusetts, the house was also the scene of the horrific murders. You can choose to stay in the rooms where the victims were killed or in Lizzie's own room. Tours of the house are held daily, or you can rent the entire house for a more macabre family reunion experience.

Castello della Castelluccia, Rome

Castello della Castelluccia in Rome offers a wide variety of paranormal phenomena, as it seems to be haunted more than most other places: there's the ghost of Emperor Nero, the ghost of an alchemist struck dead by lightning, and the ghost of a herd of horses that often gallop around the castle at night. Staying at this castle, you'll have plenty of opportunities to encounter at least one of its long-time inhabitants.

Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Of course, we can't overlook the Stanley Hotel, located in a Colorado mountain town that served as inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's film The Shining, based on Stephen King's book of the same name. The Stanley family, who founded this secluded hotel to experience the healthy winter atmosphere of the high mountains, seem to have never truly left the place. Rumor has it they haunt the hallways, just like in the book and the spooky film, inspiring nightly excursions that attract horror enthusiasts from around the world. The Stanley Hotel hosts the annual Shining Ball, sure to offer plenty of fun in its bizarre setting and the perfect opportunity to dress up in your most terrifying Halloween costume.

Tulloch Castle, Scotland

Tulloch Castle in Scotland is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in a blue dress – Elizabeth Davidson, the daughter of the castle's former owner. If you follow Elizabeth, she appears to be a melancholic ghost, often wandering the corridors and repeatedly and mournfully crying out "why." Visitors often report feeling deeply saddened whenever she appears.

Huong Thao